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Family Adventure Holiday In Cuba

An action-packed holiday for adventurous families. We swim in jungle pools, shower in waterfalls and hike along forest trails. We camp out at traditional haciendas in the mountains and have the opportunity to experience the thrill of zip-wiring through the tree tops. From cruising around the vibrant capital city of Havana in a 1950s American car to snorkelling in the warm waters in the Caribbean, Cuba is the ideal destination for a fun-filled family holiday.

Itinerary

1

Arrive Havana

Built around a deep natural harbour, Havana is one of the most impressive cities in the Americas. It's also one of the most exciting: the modern city is a fascinating mix of old and new, with crumbling tenement blocks and 1950s American Cadillacs rubbing shoulders with grand colonial buildings and monuments to the revolution. Wherever you go there is music - the hypnotic rhythms of salsa, trova and son can be heard in every bar, street corner or 'casa de la musica'. Founded in 1519 the city became the gateway for the Spanish conquests of Mexico and Peru, when its strategic location at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico saw it eclipse Santiago as the country's capital. American influence in the 20th century came to an abrupt end in 1959, when Fidel Castro and his fellow revolutionaries expelled the Americans and set the country on its socialist course into the history books. Today we arrive and check into our city centre hotel.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
None

2

In Havana; tour the city in 1950s American cars and take a salsa lesson

What better way to get a feel for this vibrant and fascinating city than to cruise the streets in classic 1950s American cars, a colourful legacy of pre-revolutionary days? Our route takes in the beautiful, neoclassical architecture of Havana's Vieja (Old) district and the art deco buildings along the waterfront (Malecon) as well as driving through the Vedado and Miramar suburbs, where kids play baseball below rusting street lights. In the afternoon we get active with a salsa dance lesson: a chance to learn the basics of Cuba's most characteristic dance style.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

3

Drive to Vinales to discover this World Heritage Site

Leaving Havana we head west to the beautiful Vinales valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most famous tobacco fields in the world. The valley sits in the Sierra de los Organos mountains, where millions of years ago underground rivers cut tunnels through the soft limestone hills leaving behind strange hills or 'mogotes' that rise like cliffs from the rich, red soil of the valley floor. We take a short guided walk through this remarkable landscape, passing immaculate tobacco fields and beautifully tended fruit and vegetable gardens, pausing to visit local farmers and see for ourselves the intricate process of harvesting, drying and finally rolling the classic Cuban cigars (tabacco growing season is between Oct-April). The valley floor is dotted with simple, colourful farmhouses, each with its characteristic thatched-roof tobacco drying barn. Most of the farming is still very traditional and you can expect to see the fertile soil still being ploughed by oxen.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

4

Relax on the white sand beaches of Cayo Levisa

Today we journey by ferry to the beautiful white sand beaches of the island of Cayo Levisa on the north coast of Cuba. Here, mangroves and pristine white sand welcome us for a day's relaxation on the beach. The more active among us may choose to take an optional snorkelling trip to explore the colourful marine flora and fauna on the reef. As there is little civilization on the island, it is worth bringing your own beach balls and snorkelling gear.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

5

Drive to Soroa visiting an orchid garden including a flower that smells of chocolate

Today we head east into the Sierra del Rosario at Soroa. We visit the beautifully tended orchid garden here, located on a steep hillside with views over the surrounding mountains. More than 700 orchid species are grown here (including one that smells of chocolate!) along with many other quite fascinating plants. This afternoon you may wish to take a walk to a beautiful nearby waterfall surrounded by dense, green forest which is rich in birdlife and home to many butterflies or you may wish to just relax by the pool

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

6

Guided walk in Las Terrazas with an option to try out a zipwire

We start our day with a drive to Las Terrazas a small village in the heart of the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The region used to be severely deforested so in 1968 an ambitious regeneration project was started. The hillsides were terraced (to reduce rain erosion) and millions of trees were planted. Now the area is covered in thick tropical vegetation, with the distinctive tall, white trunks of the majestic royal palm standing out against its rolling green hillsides. We set out this morning with a local naturalist guide to walk through the rich flora and fauna of Las Terrazas, finishing two or three hours later at a small waterfall with rock-pools, perfect for a refreshing swim (water-shoes are useful as there can be lots of scrambling over rocks). The rest of the day is left free to enjoy this beautiful area. A popular option is to do the exhilarating zip-wire course: three long wires take you flying over the tree-tops, the lake and even over the red-tiled rooftops of Las Terrazas village (it is easy to sit out the zip-wire course if not all family members want to participate). We will the return to Soroa for the night.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast

7

Drive to Cienfuegos via the Bay of Pigs

Heading east across Cuba, we drive through giant citrus and sugar plantations and out into the flat marshlands of the Zapata Peninsula. We stop at the Cueva de los Peces (Cave of the Fish), a 70 metre deep flooded natural pool with subterranean tunnels connect it with the nearby sea. We stop for lunch here and a swim and snorkel before continuing to the infamous Playa Giron - the Bay of Pigs. This seemingly quiet, rural area propelled Cuba onto the world stage when the CIA backed an abortive coup attempt by Cuban exiles that resulted in humiliation for the Kennedy administration, the death and capture of some 1400 soldiers and the immediate elevation of Fidel Castro to hero status. We visit the museum here to learn how a 20th century superpower was humbled by a supposedly ragtag army of disorganised rebels, an event that practically threw Cuba into the waiting arms of the Soviet Union. We then drive to Cienfuegos, another beautifully preserved colonial city with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch

8

In Cienfuegos with optional boat cruise

This morning we will start the day with a short city tour around the colonial heart of Cienfuegos. This city is often refered to as the 'Pearl of the South', originally founded by the French it boasts the impressive Terry Theatre where they host operas and ballet. This afternoon has been left free either to relax by the hotel pool or you may wish to take an optional boat excursion out to one of the local bays.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

9

Drive to Topes; Walk and swim in the nature reserve

This morning we skirt the edge of the wooded Escambray Mountains with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean on our right, we then take a short drive on steep, switch-back roads which leads us into the densely wooded Escambray Mountains, to the Topes de Collantes nature reserve. We transfer onto an open-sided 4WD truck which takes us deeper into the reserve, then set off on foot through the forests with our naturalist guide. Our trail takes us along a ridge with panoramic views on all sides, then into a valley cut deep by the Guayanara River. Our guide will point out the rich and varied flora and fauna along the way, including the rare Cuban trogon, Cuba's national bird, whose red, white and blue plumage mirrors the national flag. After a walk of around 3 to 4 hours we arrive at our 'hacienda', set in a beautiful valley. Lying alongside a river with bathing pools, Hacienda de Gallega is a converted farmstead with a dining area, a bar, simple toilet and shower facilities and some flat terraces where our tents will be set up. Surrounded by beautifully tended flowerbeds and the forests of Topes de Collantes, this is a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful place to stay. After lunch there's the chance to walk along the river to the Salto de Rocio waterfall, a 3 hour round trip, through an area rich with trogons, hummingbirds and woodpeckers.

Close to the waterfall there are rockpools where we can swim and - for the intrepid - swing out Tarzan-style on a liana overhanging the deepest pool. In the evening we eat a wholesome dinner at the hacienda then settle down to sleep overnight in our tents. Generous 2-man tents are provided along with foam mattresses and blankets, but we recommend you bring your own sleeping bag (or at least a sleeping sheet) in addition. If you prefer you can sleep out on the verandahs at the hacienda, under the eaves, rather than in a tent. Please note you can travel by truck to the hacienda if you prefer not to walk today.

Overnight: Basic Camping

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10

In Topes de Collantes nature reserve

A full day in the Escambray Mountains, exploring more of the Topes de Collantes nature reserve. In the morning we drive by truck to the start of our 3 to 4 hour walk. We follow a trail through forests and valleys, past streams and glades with flowers, butterflies and darting hummingbirds. Further on we reach La Batata, a cave through which an underground river gurgles, gently carving out rock pools. The water rarely exceeds 20°C so the swimming is exhilarating here! We walk on until we reach the beautiful, isolated Hacienda Codina, set in a green valley with manicured gardens all around. The traditional hacienda has a pleasant bar and verandah, with rocking chairs to sit back and enjoy the view. We enjoy a leisurely lunch in the dining area, surrounded by colourful flowers and birds, then rest through the heat of the day. Later in the afternoon we explore a short nature trail close to the hacienda, with rare orchids and unusual medicinal plants. At one point the trail actually passes through a cave (Cueva del Altar), emerging on the other side of the hill to beautiful views over the distant Caribbean. Later we have dinner, enjoying another traditional home-cooked meal, before settling down for the night in our tents (or, like last night, you can choose to sleep on the verandahs of the hacienda). Once again you can skip the walk today and travel to the hacienda by truck if you prefer.

Overnight: Basic Camping

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11

Visit Trinidad in the morning, with a free afternoon

This morning we drive to Trinidad - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cobbled streets and Spanish architecture of Trinidad make it one of Cuba's most impressive and best preserved colonial towns. It was founded in 1514 but only came to prominence when French settlers fleeing the slave revolt in Haiti began arriving in the early years of the 19th century. These plantation owners built sugar mills in the nearby Valle de los Ingenios and the region quickly became responsible for a third of all Cuba's sugar production, generating huge wealth for the town. We will walk through the lovely streets, squares and markets of the old town and visit the cathedral, this afternoon we will head out to our hotel at the beach.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner

12

Time to relax at Playa Ancon ( near Trinidad)

These two days have been left free to make the most of the idyllic beaches near Trinidad, and the surrounding area. Relax on the beach and enjoy the facilities of the hotel which has an entertainment programme, traditional music band, aerobics classes, beach sports or just relax on the beach. Catamaran, wind-surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving are all possible.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

13

Time to relax at Playa Ancon ( near Trinidad)

There are various options available during our time here, giving you the chance to be as active or relaxed as you like. You may wish to head into the Escambray mountains for a 4 hour trek (approx 8km) up through an unspolit land of forest and water-eroded valleys. The trek is to an isolated hacienda where we would have lunch, before returning to Trinidad.

Overnight: Standard HotelSwimming Pool Available

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

14

Drive to Havana via Santa Clara

In the morning we drive west back to Havana. We will stop on route at the historically important city of Santa Clara. Here we visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum, the final resting place of one of the world's most iconic and recognisable revolutionary figures. we will then continue onto Havana where the rest of the day is free either to enjoy exploring more, perhaps wandering through some of the artisan markets looking for souvenirs to take home, or relax around the lovely pool at our hotel.

Overnight: Standard Hotel

Included Meals:
Breakfast

15

Tour ends Havana

Our tour ends today in Havana after breakfast. Those on the group flight will have more free time to Explore before they are
transfered to the airport in the afternoon.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Family Viva Cuba! tour available at present.

Why Book this tour

This adventure is designed for families who want to discover one of the most unique countries in the world and a must do before the culture and ethos of the nation changes. You will travel to iconic reminders of the Cuban Revolution including the Che Guevara Memorial and the Bay of Pigs, enjoy Havana with its salsa dancing, music and colour and relax on the golden beaches of Playa Ancon and the Caribbean Island of Cayo Levisa. An adventure where we explore. learn and discover with time on the beach.